Shockless crossing.



B. K. DEAL. sHocKLEss c'RossIN'G. APPLICATION FILED FEB. I9. I9I8.

l ,284,87.. l Patented Nov. 12, 1918.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

lll/1% B. K. DEAL.

vSHOCKLESS CROSSING. APPLICATION man FEB. 19. 1918.

l ,284,878. Patented N ov. 12, 1918.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

BALTZER KRAMER DEAL, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

SI-IOGKLESS CROSSING.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 12, 1918.

Application filed February 19, 1918. Serial No. 218,015.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, BALTZER KRAMER DEAL, citizen of the United States, residing at Los Angeles, in the county of Los Angeles, State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements in Shockless Crossings, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to shockless crossings or intersections of any nature for railroads and the like; relating generally to a shockless intersection or crossing device adapted for use in any place where two rails intersect. It is an object of this invention to provide a simple and efficient form of crossmg mechanism which may be embodied in a few parts and occupy a small space at the crossing. It is also an object to provide a crossing mechanism simple and inexpensive in construction and one which at all times will furnish a smooth, continuous and shockless passage across an intersection.

My mechanism is of the type which uses a small turn-table at each individual rail crossing, said turn-table being provided with a tread part adapted to form a continuation of either one rail or the other. This turn-table is set in a sunken boX having a cylindrical chamber adapted to receive the turn-table; and the four turn-tables at the intersection of a pair of tracks are connected together so as to be properly operated in conjunction with each other. I provide means for stopping the turn-table accurately in proper alinement with the rails, and also to provide means for holding` the turn-table in its proper upright position and prevent it from tipping or having any tendency to tip out of its proper alinement.

The nature of my invention will be best understood from the following detailed description of a preferred form of device embodying the invention, reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which- Figure 1 is a plan showing the intersection of two tracks equipped with my invention; Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical section taken on line 2 2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan of one of the individual track intersections showing the turn-table, etc.; Fig. l is a plan of the boxing which holds the turntable; Fig. 5 is a horizontal section taken on line 5 5 of Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a similar hori- Zontal section of the turn-table itself; Fig. 7 is a vertical section taken on line 77 of Fig. 2; Fig. 8 is a horizontal section taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 2; and Fig. 9 is an enlarged detail section on line 2)#9 of Fig. 8.

rlhe enlarged detail vshown in Figs. 2 to S are taken from the upper right-hand rail intersection in Fig. l. There is no difference between the four turn-table mechanisms eX- ccpt the relative movements and the relative placement of the stops and supports in the boxing` as is hereinafter described.

In the drawings I show two pairs of rails A-A and B-B coming to an intersection or crossing in the usual manner. I show this crossing to be one at right angles; but it will be readily understood that my device is applicable to crossings which make other than a right angle. At each individual rail intersection I provide a cylindrical boxing 10 which may be preferably formed integrally with the rails at the intersection. 'In fact the rails and the boXings at the intersection may bc integrally formed in one solid cast block, so as to make a rigid structure. These boXings 10 have substantially cylindrical recesses or chambers 11 to receive the circular turn-tables 12. Across the upper face of each turn-table, which upper face is formed by a circular head 13, there is a tread member la with flanged grooves 15 on each side adapted to form a continuation of the tread surface of-either of the rails A or B. rI`he chambers 1l are centrally located upon the axial intersections of the two intersecting rails and the tread-surface 11i extends diametrically across the upper face of the turntable; so that by turning the turn-table through a quarter revolution the tread member 14E may be made to form a continuation of either one or the other of the two intersecting rails. I have shown a turn-table in position making smooth unbroken continuations of the rails B; and by rotation through a quarter revolution in the directions specifically indicated by the arrows upon the turn-tables in Fig. 1, the turntables may be rotated into position to form smooth and unbroken continuations of the rails A. It will be noted that, broadly con sidered, it is immaterial in what direction the turn-tables rotate to move from one position to the other; but for the sake of convenience in operation by the mechanism hereinafter explained, I preferably make the turn-tables rotate from the B position to the A position in the directions indicated. In this arrangement the turn-tables which are located diagonally across the intersection from each other turn simultaneously in the same direction, while those adjacent each other on the same rail turn simultaneously in opposite direction. I have selected the upper right-hand intersection and turn-table for detailed illustration and description.. Then this turn-table is in position to form a continuation of the rail B, then it can turn no further in a direction opposite to that indicated by the arrows in the various views, because it brings up against a stop-shoulder, or stop-shoulders, which limit its movement in that direction. When it turns in a direction indicated by the arrow, in order to form a continuation of the rail A, then when it is in proper alinement for the rail A, it brings up against other stop shoulders which hold it in proper position. 1n fact, my arrangement is one of a pair of stop lugs and the supporting web of the turn-table which brings up against both of these stop lugs on opposite sides and at opposite ends at the termination of each movement. The upper surface of the head 13 is flush with the rail tread; and the parts 13b of the head, outside the flange grooves 15, protect the ends and corners of one rail against being struck by a wheel passing on the other rail.

The supporting web 2O is directly beneath, and parallel with the tread part 14 of the turn-table so that it forms a supporting web directly for the tread throughout its length. This supporting web 20 has four triangular end projections 21, one on each side at each end of the web. In the position shown in the drawings two of these projections 21:L lie in pockets 22 which are formed in the side walls of stop lugs 23 under an overhanging shoulder' 24. The lugs Q1 may wedge more or less tightly into position underneath this overhanging shoulder and at the same time the side surface 20L of the web 2O may come up solidly against the side surface of the stop-lug 23. Thus the turntable is positively stopped in correct position; and when it is so stopped then two of its side lugs which are located diagonally from each other (at opposite sides and at opposite ends of the web 20) are moved into notches under overhanging shoulders of the stop-members Q3 so that any tendency of the turn-table to tip out of proper alinement and position is entirely prevented.

. New the web 20 is provided with four projections 21 and when the turn-table is rotated in a direction indicated by the arrows in the various views, then the other two projections 21 engage in the recesses 22 on the opposite sides of the two stop lugs; the two stop lugs being so placed and so shaped that the side surfaces 20a of the web 2O will again engage with the side surfaces of the stop lugs opposite to those which it engaged before. Generally speaking, the stop lugs are in the form of triangular projections in the chamber 11.

It will be noted that the construction is very rigid and strong in all particulars. The rails and boXings are all preferably cast integrally; while the turn-tables are each preferably one integral piece. Thus, at each rail intersection, the device is a simple and rugged two -piece combination, the working part of which is easily removed and replaced if desired but is locked securely in position when in either of its two alinements. The turn-table can be taken out and turned around when worn.

It will be understood that 1 may use any suitable means for rotating the turn-tables from one position to another. I herein illustrate and describe a simple form of operating mechanism which embodies the use `of operating triggers 30 and 31 set upon pivots 32 and adapted normally to project up into the flange spaces 33 in the rails. These trig gers may be inclosed within a boxing or casing 44 for protection. A trigger 31 is placed upon each rail at some distance from the crossing and another trigger 30 is placed upon a rail closer to the crossing: trigger 30 being of use as an emergency or safety trigger to cause operation of the crossing in case trigger 31 should fail either to move the turn-table at all or to move it far enough. The' two triggers may be connected to a cable 34 which passes into the boxing 10I and passes around a circular part 35 of the turntable immediately below the upper head 13, which part 35 forms in effect a sheave for the cable. This cable 34 may preferably be positively attached and connected to thc sheave by a bolt or staple or similar means, as indicated at 36, so that the cable cannot slip with relation to the turn table. This same cable passes on and makes a rightangle turn around the sheave and then out of the boxing and connects with the two triggers 30 and 31 of the intersecting rail. The triggers are arranged to be struck by the ange of an approaching wheel, and, when depressed to the position shown in Fig. 2, to pull upon the cablcand turn the turn-table in a direction corresponding to the pull upon the cable. F or instance, when the trigger 31 or 30 upon the rail A is depressed, then the cable 34 will be pulled in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 3, and the turn-table will be rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow in that figure, and the turn-table will be turned through a quarter revolution until it brings up against the stops hereinbefore explained and then it will be in position to form a smooth continuation of the rail A. 1f a flanged wheel is approaching on the rail B, then the cable will be pulled in the opposite direction and the turn-table will be turned back to the position shown in Fig. 3.

This operation is the same Jfor each of the turn-tables; each turn-table being connected to a trigger or triggers on both the rails intersecting at the turn-table. Now, suppose for instance, that a car is approaching in the direction indicated by the large arrow in Fig. 1. The turn-tables at the left in Fig. 1, if not already in that position, will be moved to the position to make the rails B continuous. It is also necessary to move the turn-tables at the right in Fig. 1 in order to make the rails B continuous at their intersections with the other rail A. This is done by inter-connection of the turn-tables;

and in the arrangement which I herein show` as a preferred one, the turn-tables are cross connected as illustrated. Between turntables situated diagonally to each other there is a cable connection 40 which extends between and passes around the sheave part of the two turn-tables and merely causes them always to rotate simultaneously by equal amounts in the same direction. These cables may be positively secured to each turn-table to avoid slip by means of a screw or staple or the like, as indicated at 41. Any car or train approaching upon either track in any direction, will thus cause all Jfour turn-tables to be rotated to position to make that track smooth and continuous across the crossing.

The arrangement may preferably be such that the trigger 31 (the one first struck) does not have as large a throw as the other trigger 30, which is proportioned so that its flange actuated movement is enough to positively cause full movement of the turntable and stiff springs 34a are interposed in cables 3st to accommodate any excess movement without straining or breaking any part; and these springs also perform the function of shock absorbers when either of the triggers are struck suddenly. rI`he trigger 31 will usually be struck harder than the other; and the quick movement of this trigger, combined with the resilient action of spring 34a, will throw the turn-table clear to position, even though this trigger movement is too short to completely move the turn-table if the trigger is actuated slowly. If the trigger 31 does not complete themovement, trigger 30 will do so because its movement is long enough to cause positive movement of the turn-table clear to position. Spring 34a is stiii' enough that it does not expand under the strain of slow movement of the mechanism.

Having described a preferred form oi' my invention, I claim:

1. In combination with two intersecting rails, a boxing at the intersection having a cylindrical chamber, a circular turn-table Substantially entirely inclosed in the boxing and having a tread member on its upper surface adapted by rotation of the turntable to form a continuation of either of the intersecting rails, a web below on the turntable within the boxing, and stationary stop lugs projecting inwardly from the walls of the boxing into the chamber and against which the web brings up when the turntable is in either of its positions to form rail continuations.

Q. In combination with two intersecting rails, a boxing at the intersection having a cylindrical chamber, a circular turn-table therein with a tread member on its upper surface adapted by rotation of the turntable to form a continuation of either of the intersecting rails, a web below on the turn-table, lateral projecting lugs on each side of each end of the web, and stop lugs projecting into the chamber and each having undercut recesses into which the web lugs enter and against which stop-lugs the sides of the web bring up' when the turntable is in either of its positions to form rail continuations.

3. In combination withtwo intersecting rails, a boxing at the intersection having a cylindrical chamber, a circular turn-table therein with a tread member on its upper surface adapted by rotation of the turntable to form a continuation of either of the intersecting rails, a web below on the turn-table, lateral projecting lugs on each side of each end of the web, and a pair of stop lugs projecting oppositely into the chamber and each having undercut recesses on opposite sides of the lug into which the web lugs enter and against the opposite sides of which stop lugs the sides of the web bring up when the turn-table is in either of its positions to form rail continuations.

t. In combination with two intersecting rails, a turn-table at the intersection having a tread member adapted by rotation of the turn-table to form a continuation of either of the intersecting rails, and stop means to limit the movement 'of the turn-table to oscillation through an angle of ninety degrees, said stop means embodying a pair of stationary stop lugs having undercut notches, and the turn-table having lugs adapted to enter said notches when the turn-table brings up against the stop lugs.

5. In combination with a crossing` mechanism, means actuatable by a wheel at a distance from the crossing to cause positive partial actuation of the mechanism, and means actuatable by a wheel closer to the crossing to finish the movement of the mechanism.

6. In combination with a crossing mechanism, means actuatable by a Wheel at a. distance from the crossing to causeposltive partial actuation of the mechanism, and

means actuatable by a Wheel closer t0 the crossing t0 cause full movement of the mechanism.

7. In combination with a crossing mechanism, means actuatable by a wheel at a distance from the crossing to cause positive partial actuation of the mechanism, and means actuatable by a wheel closer to the crossing to finish the movement of the mechanism, said means being connected to the mechanism through the medium of a resilient member which yields to suddenly applied force. i, l

8. In combination with two intersecting rails, a boxing at the intersection having a cylindrical chamber, a circular turn-table in said chamber, the chamber having a bottom and the turn-table having a circular head and a web below the head restingI 0n the chamber bottom and supporting the head from side to side, the head having a rail surface formation across its upper surface over and parallel with the supporting web bellow, a flange groove at the Side of the rail surface formation, and portions of the head outside the rail surface and flange groove extending upwardly to substantially the top surface of the rail surface formation, so that when the rail surface formation forms a. continuation of one ofl the intersecting rails the said outer portions bear against and protect the ends of the other rail.

In witness that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto subscribed my name this 13th day of February 1918.

BALTZER KRAMER DEAL.

Witness V. BERINGER.

Copies ot this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G. 

